Hungarian Supreme Court Decision Puts Chinese Electric Battery Plant in Doubt

Published: November 30 2023

A recent decision by the Hungarian Supreme Court has cast doubt on the future of the Chinese electric battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The court ruled in favor of an opposition-initiated case, annulling one of the permits for the plant and ordering a new procedure to be conducted.

The Hungarian Supreme Court upheld the request made by a citizen of Debrecen and overturned the previous judgment of the Debrecen Court. The court found that the authority had violated rules regarding publicity, posting, and public hearings in relation to the supplementation of the safety report. As a result, a new procedure will be initiated.

According to lawyer András Schiffer, who represented the citizen in the case, the construction of the battery factory should be stopped as it currently lacks a disaster recovery permit. However, the citizen who initiated the case believes that the ruling does not necessarily mean the factory will not come to Debrecen, but rather that it has bought some time. It is worth noting that the battery plant has faced multiple legal actions, and while this decision was unfavorable, there have been previous favorable rulings as well.

Concerns have been raised about the CATL's battery factory in Debrecen, which led to protests from local residents. In February, the project was granted an environmental permit with strict conditions. The company later applied for a modification of the permit to reduce the factory's size and pollution footprint. The protests continued despite these actions. Global green organizations, such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Greenpeace, have expressed support for the project, emphasizing the importance of battery factories for Europe's green transition.

The Hungarian Supreme Court's decision to annul a permit for the Chinese electric battery plant in Debrecen puts the future of the project in doubt. A new procedure will be initiated, and there are concerns about the lack of a disaster recovery permit for the factory. Despite the decision, there have been previous favorable rulings, and the outcome regarding the factory's establishment in Debrecen remains uncertain.

What is the current status of the CATL battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary? The CATL battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary is facing uncertainties. The Hungarian Supreme Court recently annulled one of the basic permits for the plant, putting its construction in doubt.

Who initiated the case against the CATL battery plant in Debrecen? A citizen of Debrecen named László Nándor Horváth initiated the case against the CATL battery plant.

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision regarding the CATL battery plant in Debrecen? The Supreme Court upheld the citizen's request and overturned the previous judgment of the Debrecen Court. As a result, the authority has been ordered to start a new procedure due to violations of the rules on publicity, posting, and public hearings.

What is the implication of the Supreme Court's decision on the construction of the battery factory? According to András Schiffer, the lawyer who represented the citizen in the case, the construction of the battery factory should now be stopped as it does not have a disaster recovery permit. However, the written justification of the Curia (Supreme Court) will only be received in a few weeks.

Does the Supreme Court's decision mean that the CATL battery factory will definitely not come to Debrecen? László Nándor Horváth, the citizen who initiated the case, believes that the ruling does not necessarily mean that the battery factory will not come to Debrecen. However, it has bought some time for further assessment.

Are there any other legal actions against the CATL battery factory in Debrecen? Yes, the CATL battery factory in Debrecen is facing a series of legal actions. While this recent Supreme Court decision was unfavorable to the company, they have previously been granted a favorable ruling in another case.

What concerns have been raised about the CATL battery factory in Debrecen? Concerns have been raised by residents of Debrecen regarding the CATL battery factory, particularly in relation to its environmental impact. Despite protests, the project was granted an environmental permit under strict conditions earlier this year. The company later applied for a modification of the permit to reduce the factory area and the pollution footprint of battery production.

Have any environmental organizations supported the CATL battery factory in Debrecen? Yes, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Greenpeace, two global green organizations, have publicly backed the project. They believe that countries can benefit from investments like battery factories as long as they do not harm the environment.